PM Groysman: Government has plan B in case Russia blocks Ukrainian GTS

"It is clear that Russia will use all the opportunities to block the operation of the Ukrainian gas transportation system. We have to do everything possible in order to comply with European legislation and be integrated into the EU energy system. To do this, we need to gain certification," Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groisman said during an hour of questions to the Government in the Parliament of Ukraine, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

He reminded that when the new contract had been signed with the management of the Naftogaz of Ukraine, the Government laid down tough conditions to the company's management: the continuation of transit, the GTS certification. This will be regarded as an indicator of the management’s performance.

"Of course, there is a plan B in case Russia resorts to other actions. I believe that the management of Naftogaz has lagged behind in the implementation of the plan, which was approved by the Government, regarding the unbundling of the GTS," Groysman said.

He recalled that the plan for unbundling was approved on July 1, 2016.

"As for the amendments to the agreement, we have received recently a decision of the European Commission, and now we carry out the internal procedures for deepening the energy integration between Ukraine and the EU," the Prime Minister said.

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